Musaeus' Hero and Leander: Introduction, Greek Text, Translation and Commentary

This book provides a new English translation of Musaeus' poem Hero and Leander, with the original Greek on the facing page, a substantial introduction, and a detailed commentary. It explores the poem's literary tradition and cultural context, its major themes, and its reception in literature, making it a valuable resource for students and scholars of Greek and late antique literature, as well as those working on mythology and classical reception.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 132 pages
Publication date: 29 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book presents a fresh English rendition of Musaeus' renowned poem, Hero and Leander, accompanied by the original Greek text on the facing page. It also includes a substantial introduction and a comprehensive commentary, making it an invaluable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike. The tragic romance of Hero and Leander has captured the hearts of countless artists, writers, and musicians throughout history, and its enduring appeal continues to inspire new generations. The Introduction aims to place the poem within its literary and cultural context, exploring its major themes and highlighting the distinctive stylistic features of Musaeus' work. Given the immense popularity of Hero and Leander, the Introduction also delves into the poem's reception in literature, intersecting with the reception of Ovid's Heroides, specifically chapters 18 and 19. The commentary, which follows the Greek text and its translation, is designed to cater to a diverse audience, including students and scholars of Greek literature, as well as those interested in other literary traditions where the poem has exerted influence. This work stands as a groundbreaking contribution to the English language, offering a new perspective on Musaeus' masterpiece.

The tragic romance of Hero and Leander has had and continues to hold a profound allure, captivating countless writers, painters, sculptors, and musicians. The Introduction seeks to contextualize the poem within its literary tradition and cultural framework, while also identifying its central themes and delineating the notable stylistic characteristics of Musaeus' work. Given the immense and uninterrupted popularity of Hero and Leander, the Introduction also dedicates a substantial section to exploring the poem's reception in literature, which overlaps with the reception of Ovid's Heroides, particularly chapters 18 and 19. The commentary, which follows the Greek text and its translation, is intended to cater to a diverse readership, including students and scholars of Greek literature, as well as those with an interest in other literary traditions where the poem has left its mark. This work represents a groundbreaking endeavor in the English language, providing a fresh and insightful interpretation of Musaeus' renowned poem.

Weight: 199g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032400075